United Way’s Statement on Mayoral Race

United Way's Statement on Mayoral Race

KOKOMO, IN / PRESS RELEASE – On behalf of the Board of Directors of United Way serving Howard and Tipton Counties, the Executive Committee announces staff changes effective June 1 until the conclusion of the mayoral race for Kokomo to ensure the organization is able to serve the community to its full capacity in an effective manner.

Jeff Young will continue his role as Board Chairman and Interim President and CEO. Libby O’Brien, recently promoted to Community Development Director, will serve as Interim Executive Director, and will report to Jeff Young.

Abbie Smith, mayoral candidate, will continue on leave of absence from her previous role as President and CEO and continue to be a consultant to the organization. Smith’s consulting time reduced to a maximum of two days per week during the general election effective June 1. Smith will focus on staff development, Heart of Indiana, Search United Way and other internal key projects approved by the Board of Directors. Smith will not be involved in any funding decisions or public engagements for United Way serving Howard and Tipton Counties.

“I have complete confidence in Libby’s ability to embrace her new role and look forward to Abbie continuing to provide assistance to internal key projects that will have a lasting impact on the community,” said Young. “The staff has been incredible to work with and I am honored to continue as Interim President and CEO with the board and community’s overwhelming support.”

United Way will remain neutral throughout Smith’s candidacy. Staff and board members will continue to work hard as we fulfill the mission of our organization fighting for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our communities.

“This work is not about us; it’s about the people we serve,” said O’Brien, Interim Executive Director. “I look forward to continuing to support United Way’s mission in serving our community with the amazing staff here at United Way.”

Questions may be directed to Jeff Young at 765-457-4357 ext. 313 or at jyoung@unitedwayhoco.org.

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Adult Recess

If play is considered productive for kids, why would it stop being constructive for adults? New research from the National Institute for Play suggests that plays helps sculpts our brains…that sound pretty constructive!

Most complex problems adults face require creative solutions. Play has a direct role in creativity and finding what works to solve these problems. Not only can play jump start our creative problem-solving techniques, it can shake us out of habits that hold us back. So it may sound silly to urge your co-workers and staff to go out and play but the results speak for themselves. Let us bring Adult Recess to your next staff outing or event.

Free Tax Preparation

Free Tax Prep is a network of drop off locations with one tax preparation site (United Way of Howard County) that offers free tax preparation to individuals and families with a combined household income of $60,000 or less. This program, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), is designed to ensure that residents receive all the tax credits and deductions for which they are eligible. Volunteers are certified by the IRS to provide free, basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

K-Camp

K-Camp is a free summer camp for students with little or no preschool experience. This program is designed to prepare children for their new roles as kindergarten students.

Real Men Read

Real Men Read is a reading program that aspires to mobilize volunteers in the community as readers in early learning centers across Howard County to increase Kindergarten readiness.

Food Pantry Network

In response to increased need and lack of resources, United Way facilitates the Food Pantry Network. Each month pantries meet, visit each other’s facilities and share ideas to stretch resources. Through this network, most local pantries participate in a database sharing program.

School S.U.P.P.L.I.E.S

In August, a coalition of labor unions partner with United Way to provide over 1,000 children with needed supplies to begin school. For one week, volunteers screen families and distribute backpacks, Kleenex, pencils, paper and other items collected or provided by unions and other community groups. Clothing and shoes are also collected and distributed.

Meet Up, Eat Up, Read Up

We kick in when school lets out. At no cost, this collaboration supplies a midday meal to kids under 18 – then we add fun! Every day brings something different; crafts, games, theater, sports. We learned about fire trucks & safety, healthy eating habits, checked out library books, and made new friends. This year, the number of kids eating healthy meals doubled.

Born Learning Trails

Children are learning all the time and turning everyday activities into learning moments so let’s make it fun! Born Learning Trails turn those everyday moments into learning experiences. Research has shown that interacting regularly with young children helps them be better prepared to start school. Here in Howard County, we have two Born Learning Trails! Visit them at Pettit Park School on the north side of the building and in Studebaker Park on the south side of the park.